The event was organized by the Rondeli Foundation in partnership with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

The seminar brought together heads and experts of leading think tanks from Central Asia and the South Caucasus, as well as from the United States, Türkiye, Estonia, and Finland, including representatives of the CMI Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and the Aleksanteri Institute.

The discussion focused on strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the outcomes of the Tashkent Summit of Central Asian leaders, the impact of global transformations on the development of the two regions, and the importance of multi-vector foreign policy amid growing interest from major global and regional actors.

It was noted that, at the current stage, Central Asia is pursuing a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, building constructive dialogue with a broad range of partners and strengthening its role in international affairs.

Participants emphasized that the countries of the region continue to maintain strong economic and people-to-people ties with Russia, while actively expanding engagement with China, which has become their largest trading partner, as well as with the United States, the European Union, the GCC countries, Türkiye, Iran, India, Pakistan, and other partners.

According to experts, this approach creates favorable conditions for unlocking Central Asia’s full potential, supporting infrastructure modernization, advancing transport and logistics corridors, attracting investment, expanding external economic opportunities, and strengthening the region’s strategic agency.